Russia is developing an “anti-satellite capability” that has yet to be deployed, and US President Joe Biden has asked his administration to open direct diplomatic talks with Moscow on the matter, a House national security spokesman said on Thursday. Albe, John Kirby, writes Agerpres with reference to Reuters, AFP and EFE.

John KirbyPhoto: – / Editorial Shutterstock / Profimedia

“I can confirm to you that this is an anti-satellite capability developed by Russia,” John Kirby said, a day after Republican Congressman Michael Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, made a cryptic statement citing a serious new threat to US national security, without providing any details, which, according to US media, would be a Russian anti-satellite space nuclear weapon.

John Kirby in his statement did not refer to the nuclear nature of such weapons, but assured that they do not pose “an immediate threat to the safety of anyone.”

“This is a capability that they (Russia) are developing. We are still analyzing the information,” a White House official said.

He specified that President Biden ordered a number of initial actions to be taken in response, including a diplomatic approach to the issue with Russia, especially since the development of such weapons would mean, in Washington’s opinion, a violation of an international treaty.

In a statement Wednesday, Michael Turner publicly asked President Biden to declassify information about a new threat to U.S. security so Washington’s political leaders and allies can openly discuss the topic.

The United States does not have the ability to counter anti-satellite nuclear weapons, but this is neither an immediate threat nor cause for panic because, at least to date, Russia has not put such a weapon into orbit,” US officials explained. US media. Sources cited by the New York Times say that new Russian military capabilities of this kind are currently under development.

Russia has neither confirmed nor denied it has or is developing anti-satellite nuclear weapons, but believes the issue is now a ploy by Washington to get Congress to approve more than $60 billion in aid requested by President Joe Biden for Ukraine and blocked by the opposition some Republican congressmen.